Acclaimed business expert appointed to drive growth at local law firm

A North East business guru has been appointed to assist an ambitious Tees Valley law firm with its growth strategy.

Gary Lumby MBE has joined the Ingleby Barwick headquartered firm, Punch Robson, and will be working alongside its partners to help achieve the Company’s development plans.

The traditional mixed-practice high street law firm, which also has offices in Middlesbrough and Coulby Newham, will benefit from Gary’s extensive knowledge gained from his many years’ experience from working with numerous leading North East businesses including Active Chartered Financial Planners, Biochemica Ltd, Cornerstone Business Solutions, Techconsult, FRP Advisory, Psyche, Erimus Insurance, Personal Support Network, Hellens Residential, JDM Earth and Crimewatch Safeguard Systems Ltd.

Gary was Regional Head of SME Banking for the North East and Cumbria for Barclays Bank before becoming both the UK Head of Business Banking and UK Head of Retail Banking for Yorkshire Bank during which time he became a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (Scotland).

Gary, who is recognised for his knowledge across many industry sectors, aims to use his expertise in sales, marketing and business development to assist the driven firm in increasing its turnover and expanding its team.

He will also support the firm by working with Punch Robson’s four partners and heads of departments, setting key performance indicators and mentoring leading members of the team.

Speaking about his appointment, Gary said: “I’m very excited to start working with a well-known and respected law firm like Punch Robson, which has been trading for over 140 years and is a firm that local people know they can rely on.

“I’m keen to focus on the Tees Valley and I’m already working with a number of clients in the area.

“The business has a great foundation and there’s lots of scope for growth. We’re going to be working on a three-year strategy and I can’t wait to see where we will take Punch Robson.”

Punch Robson’s Managing Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial Property, Elaine McLaine-Wood said: “I’ve known Gary for many years and I admired his work with other law firms outside of the Tees Valley.

“The next stage of transition for our firm will see us focus on growth and strategy and I knew Gary would be the perfect person to help us achieve our goals, as he focuses on the business as a whole.

“We are looking forward to developing a long-term relationship with Gary and I know he is the only person who could take us where we want to be.